According to reports in the Spanish media Mark Webber will continue in F1 next season, albeit no longer with Red Bull but in a red Ferrari suit instead. While no claims of concrete contracts are being made, El Confidencial reports they have been told, “It’s done.” While El Mundo Deportivo claims Webber has signed a pre-contractual agreement with Ferrari.
Webber has been on one-year deals with Red Bull in recent years, claiming it helps keep his motivation high. However, with the fast charging juniors of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne in the Toro Rosso team believed to be in the hunt for Webber’s seat, it may be that Webber has no choice but to seek a contract elsewhere if he wants to extend his F1 career.
The rumour mill also suggests Webber may only be at Maranello for one year, with Sergio Perez to replace him in 2014. It’s understood Ferrari is happy to leave Perez at Sauber for another year to gain more experience. Either driver is expected to make a better fist of things than Felipe Massa, uncontracted at the end of 2012, who has struggled at Ferrari so far this year. The Brazilian also endured a terrible season in 2011.
Webber has a good relationship with Fernando Alonso which could assist the Australian’s recruitment into the team. Alonso is highly regarded by Ferrari and his opinions would surely carry some weight. Both drivers also have links with Flavio Briatore, which could aid discussions.
While the rumours of Webber and/or Perez remain unverified it does appear certain that Massa’s days are numbered.
No doubt the topic will be discussed while the teams are in Mugello for in-season testing this week. If we hear any more we’ll let you know.
[Source: El Confidencial & motorsport.com]
7 replies on “Mark Webber to Ferrari in 2013?”
Do we dare dream of seeing Webber closing out his career driving the prancing horse.
Sadly, if this is indeed true, this is a bit of a shame to see Mark leave Red Bull .. He has a mountain of technical knowledge that he’s built up with the Red Bull guys. The team obviously recognises this technical ability, and I would have liked to see him continue a career in F1 as a technical advisor for the likes of Red Bull.
Hopefully, it’s just “rumours”.
Adz
I agree it would be a shame to see Mark leave Red Bull. But only because they have generally good car and team structure.
They way they have treated him the past I’d be surprised if he would actually want to stay on as an adviser post his driving career.
I dare say, if Red Bull looked like having a rubbish car that Mark would walk anyway. The advantages of one-year contracts can work for both team and driver, depending on the situation.
I don’t think he owes Red Bull any favours.
I do think Ferrari could be an amazing experience for him, especially if he is moved aside by Red Bull for one of the STR drivers. If nothing else it could provide a pathway for other motorsport opportunities post-F1.
I’m not sure a year in red at the end will work out well.. but then, what other options exist? take what you can get might be the mantra
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